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Long Beach Storm – Rain – Flood – High Tide Warning Tips

Heavy rain and flooding in Long Beach Warning

Significant amounts of rain are expected by Friday and Saturday in Long Beach, and more rain in the foothill areas of Southern California. Thunderstorms are possible and high tides are expected on both Friday and Saturday.

Be Prepared for Winter Storms

Cooler temperatures, fog, wind, and rain are here. Significant amounts of rain are expected by Friday and Saturday in Long Beach, and more in the foothill areas of Southern California. Thunderstorms are possible.
City of Long Beach Public Works Staff has prepared the city for winter rains by clearing 3,800 catch basins; cleaning and testing 26 pump stations as well as preparing response teams to address any storm related issues that might arise. Parks, Recreation and Marine staff has prepared the beaches and waterways for the winter storms by building berms to protect low-lying sections of the beach; installing debris booms to prevent trash from entering the marina areas; maintain storm run-off culverts on the beaches, and monitoring the lake and lagoon water levels to prevent flooding.
The rainfall is forecast to coincide with high tides, and city staff will be monitoring water levels in Naples to mitigate any flooding if possible.
Now is the perfect time for residents to prepare your home and family for the upcoming winter storms, as well as major emergencies in general; here are some suggestions to keep you and your family safe before, during and after a significant incident.

Heavy Rain from storm to cause flooding in Long Beach.

Before a Severe Storm…
Take the following precautions:
· Keep copies of insurance policies, important documents as well as other valuables in a safe place and in a water resistant container. Consider a safe-deposit box for critical documents or items.
· Consider purchasing flood insurance coverage for homeowners or renters.
· Store emergency supplies and contact information in a handy location at work and home. Consider storing some items in your car as well.

· Build an “Emergency Kit” and make a family Communications Plan. An emergency kit will serve you well in a storm, an earthquake or any other disaster scenario. Visit the following websites for more information on preparing your emergency kit and your communications plan: www.redcross.org/, www.fema.gov/, or www.calema.ca.gov/
· Keep your car fueled and some cash on hand. If electric power is cut off, filling stations and ATM’s might not be able to operate.
· Know safe routes from your home or office to high, safe ground.
· Consider keeping some water proofing materials handy for emergency repairs, including sandbags, plastic sheeting, plywood or lumber, duct tape, etc.
Sand and Sandbags – Sand is currently available at the Long Beach Public Works/Public Service Yard, 1651 San Francisco Ave., at the Esther Street Gate.Tomorrow afternoon, sand will be available at the following Long Beach Fire Stations:
· Station No. 7, 2295 Elm Ave.
· The Old Station No. 12, 6509 Gundry Ave.
· Station No. 13, 2475 Adriatic Ave.
· Station No. 14, 5200 E. Eliot St.
Empty sandbags are available at all neighborhood Fire Stations, except the new Fire Station 12.

Heavy rain and flooding in Long Beach Warning

During A Severe Storm…
Use these guidelines:
· Tune to local radio or television stations for emergency information and instructions from local authorities. In an emergency KKJZ 88.1 FM will broadcast information to the Long Beach community.
· Avoid areas that are subject to sudden flooding.
· Do not try to walk across a flowing stream of water where the water is near or above your knees.
· Avoid unnecessary trips. If you must travel during the storm, dress in warm, loose layers of clothing. Advise others of your destination and estimated arrival time.
· Keep pets inside and ensure they have shelter from the storm.
· Be especially cautious driving at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers. If you are driving:
o Know this – Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling. A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV’s) and pick-up trucks.
o Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. The depth of water is not always obvious. The roadbed may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped.
o Do not drive around a barricade. Barricades are there for your protection. Turn around and go the other way.
o Slow down for traffic officers at intersections with non-working signal lights. Treat all non-working traffic signal lights at intersections as stop signs. Be aware of utility workers working in or near the road.
o Do not sightsee in flooded areas. Do not try to enter areas blocked off by local authorities.
· If advised by local authorities to leave your home, do not delay leaving. Move to a safe area before access is cut off by floodwater. Before leaving, disconnect all electrical appliances.
After A Severe Storm …
Take theses steps:
· Stay tuned to radio or television for information and instructions from local authorities. In an emergency KKJZ 88.1 FM will broadcast information to the Long Beach community.
· Follow local instructions regarding the safety of drinking water. If in doubt, boil or purify water before drinking.
· Avoid disaster areas; your presence could hamper rescue and other emergency operations, and you may be in danger.
· Do not handle live electrical equipment in wet areas. If electrical equipment or appliances have been in contact with water, have them checked before use.
· You should avoid downed power lines and broken gas lines. Report downed electrical lines immediately by calling 911. To report a broken gas lines, first move to a safe location and then call Long Beach Gas & Oil at 562.570.2140. If you hear a hissing or a roaring sound and smell an unusual odor, first move to a safe location and immediately call 911.
· You should avoid swimming in the ocean and bays during and within 72 hours of a storm. Obey all lifeguard instructions and posted signs at beaches.
Don’t be caught off guard, get the facts and know the risks. Take action to protect yourself, your family, your business, and your finances-before a weather event occurs and it’s too late.

Find additional information on how to plan and prepare for severe storms by visiting the following websites:

· Federal Emergency Management Agency

· California Emergency Management Agency

· NOAA Watch

· American Red Cross

We hope that this information helps you. If you have any questions about Real Estate in Long Beach please call us 562-533-4003.

Naples Island 67th Annual Christmas Boat Parade

Saturday, December 21st, 2013

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Naples Island Christmas Parade!!!

The Island of Naples hosts its 67th round of the Naples Island Holiday Boat Parade. This sparkling event is visible from several vantage points around the island. It’s a great for families living in Long Beach. Each year just keeps getting better with the boat owners getting very creative with decorating. Along with the boat parade, there will be three groups of carolers walking around the Island and singing holiday songs by the bridges. Homes in Naples will be festively decorated for the annual home decoration competition. Restaurants and businesses also will be decorated. The Boat Parade will be held on December 21st. Big Boat Parade starts at 6 p.m. Little Boat Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. Note that the streets in Naples close at 5 p.m. on parade night. You can access Naples off 2nd Street via several streets, including Naples Plaza, Revenna, Tivoli and The Toledo. Large Boat Parade Starts at 6:00 PM Lg Boat Parade MAPSmall Boat Parade Starts at 6:45 PMSm Boat Parade MAP

Christmas trees float in Alamitos Bay and Colorado Lagoon in Long Beach, California.

Naples Island Boat Parade

Christmas in Naples Island where the homes compete for various awards.

Get ready to start off this holiday with parties and parades! This year is full of so many cheery opportunities to share with friends and families of Long Beach. Lifestyles of Long Beach gathered around the yule log and compiled a list of local Long Beach “have to do’s” for this holiday season! Top on our list is the Belmont Shore 31st Annual Christmas Parade. This is a great year to live in Long Beach!

30TH ANNUAL BELMONT SHORE CHRISTMAS PARADE

Saturday, December 7, 2013 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Belmont Shore Christmas Parade, Long Beach Christmas Holiday parades

GENERAL BELMONT SHORE CHRISTMAS PARADE INFO: This year’s parade is Presented by “Chill” at The Queen Mary” and Sponsored by the Port of Long Beach. The theme is “Christmas by the Sea”. This year’s parade is on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, so the theme will support our troops, honor our veterans and remember Pearl Harbor (Dec. 7, 1942). The Grand Marshal is Long Beach 3rd District Councilmember Gary DeLong.

The Belmont Shore Christmas Parade will march down East Second Street to the beat of over a dozen local marching bands. Featuring over 100 entries, including floats designed by Long Beach businesses and associations, marching bands, and local personalities and dignitaries. And of course, no Christmas Parade would be complete without an appearance by good ole’ St. Nick!

The parade route is along East Second Street and begins heading east from Livingston Avenue to Bayshore Avenue. The route is 1.2 miles long. Entries return to Livingston Avenue heading west along the north side of East Second Street. Start time will be at 6:00pm. East 2nd St. will close to traffic at 5:00pm, at which time spectators may set up chairs and blankets for a front row seat to the parade.

RULES TO REMEMBER DURING ANNUAL BELMONT SHORE CHRISTMAS PARADE

The Annual Belmont Shore Christmas Parade is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2013, and the Long Beach Police Department is encouraging all attendees to comply with all laws for the safety of everyone:

– Allow yourself plenty of time to find LEGAL parking, and consider using public transportation, which is affordable and allows you to avoid traffic congestion. All parking laws will be strictly enforced and illegally parked vehicles will be subject to tow.

– Sidewalk areas and center medians CANNOT be reserved with personal property until 5:00 p.m. During previous parades, the placement of personal items along the parade route has created pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic issues, in addition to causing problems for businesses. In an effort to prevent any accidents or injuries, and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, personal property found along the parade route prior to street closures may be confiscated at the direction of the L.B.P.D., and taken to the Bayshore Library for pick-up after the event.

– The public is also reminded that the law strictly prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages on public property (sidewalks, medians, roads, etc.), and anyone found in violation will be subject to citation or arrest

– Municipal and Penal Code sections in regards to under-age drinking and/or possession of alcohol will also be enforced

– Street vendors selling items without a business license are also subject to citation or arrest and may have their property confiscated

– NO dispensing of Silly String … violators may be cited for littering

– Signs notifying the community of potential enforcement action will be posted along the route and inside most businesses

– Parade goers are reminded to report any suspicious activity immediately to the nearest officer or by calling 9-1-1. IF YOU SEE SOMETHING … SAY SOMETHING!

Affected streets closures and times are as follows:

– Livingston Avenue will be closed from Ocean Boulevard to Second Street at 2:00 p.m. for staging parade participants

– At 4:00 p.m., all north/south streets from Quincy to Claremont Avenues will be closed up to the immediate alleyways that run parallel to 2nd Street on both the south and north sides

– Second Street will be closed from Livingston Drive to Bayshore Avenue at 5:00 p.m.

– We anticipate all roads being reopened to traffic by 11:00 p.m.

The Long Beach Police Department would like to thank the community in advance for their understanding and cooperation, and wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

Naples Island 67th Annual Boat Parade

Saturday, December 21st, 2013

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

The Island of Naples hosts its 67th round of the Naples Island Holiday Boat Parade. This sparkling event is visible from several vantage points around the island. It’s a great for families living in Long Beach. Each year just keeps getting better with the boat owners getting very creative with decorating. Along with the boat parade, there will be three groups of carolers walking around the Island and singing holiday songs by the bridges. Homes in Naples will be festively decorated for the annual home decoration competition. Restaurants and businesses also will be decorated. The Boat Parade will be held on December 21st. Big Boat Parade starts at 6 p.m. Little Boat Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. Note that the streets in Naples close at 5 p.m. on parade night. You can access Naples off 2nd Street via several streets, including Naples Plaza, Revenna, Tivoli and The Toledo. Large Boat Parade Starts at 6:00 PM Lg Boat Parade MAPSmall Boat Parade Starts at 6:45 PMSm Boat Parade MAP

QUEEN MARY’S CHILL

NOW THRU JANUARY 6, 2013

10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Queen Mary presents CHILL– an enchanting winter event for the whole family! The main attraction takes place in the Queen Mary dome that has been transformed into a giant igloo. This is the location of The Ice Kingdom which showcases an exciting exhibit of larger-than-life ice creations. Walk through the 3,000 square feet of sculptures which range in size from 8 feet to 24 feet tall. The entire exhibit is made up of about 4,500 blocks of ice, weighing 2 million pounds. The tent has to be kept at 9 degrees, so each visitor will be given a special parka to walk around the tent in. In addition CHILL also features outdoor Ice Tubing, an Ice Skating rink, and a Holiday Village, complete with Christmas trees, “Candy Lane,” gingerbread decorating, carolers, and of course, Santa Claus! There is a 6,500-square-foot outdoor ice skating rink and a 100-foot-long elevated slide for tubing. The holiday village will be fitted with themed retail, food and beverages will also be on site. Santa will be in the village to take pictures with children, along with a gingerbread craft area and live entertainment. There is a comprehensive display of lights and holiday decorations, including a special Candy Lane with giant-sized pieces of holiday candy like gum drops, candy canes and ribbon candy. Chill will take place from Nov. 17 to Jan. 6. at the Queen Mary Dome, Village & Market Place & Seawalk in Long Beach. It will be free to enter the holiday village, but there will be individual ticket prices to go into the Ice Kingdom, go ice-skating and go tubing.

Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade

Saturday, December 14, 2013

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

The 60th Annual Daisy Lane Parade is a unique community event sponsored by the City of Long Beach. The event will include holiday displays, entertainment and a parade. Many area residents decorate their homes and their will be a beautiful Christmas Village and nativity scene. Bring your blankets, chairs and don’t forget to bundle up. You won’t want to miss one second of the magic! The fun starts Saturday, December 14th at 5:00pm on Daisy Avenue. The parade runs along Daisy Avenue between Burnett Street and Pacific Coast Highway.

Christmas trees float in Alamitos Bay and Colorado Lagoon in Long Beach, California.

Bike Month is here in Long Beach!

Bike Long Beach – LIfestylesOfLongBEach.com

Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster kicked off National Bike Month on May 7 with his annual Bike Ride to City Hall, one of more than a dozen exciting activities and special events taking place in Long Beach during May 2013.

The mayor’s bike ride promotes awareness of the annual Tour of Long Beach & Bike Festival, the annual bicycle circuit around Long Beach benefiting Miller Children’s Hospital. This year’s event and daylong celebration at The Pike in Rainbow Harbor will take place on Saturday, May 11.

Other upcoming events include Fix Your Bike Day & Safety Rodeo on May 11 at McBride Teen Center; Bike to Work Day on May 16 at City Hall and CSULB locations; and Kidical Mass on May 19 in Bixby Knolls.

The Downtown Long Beach Associate presents the Bike Fest of Long Beach. Grab your bike and cruise to THE PIKE AT RAINBOW HARBOR to Celebrate Bike-Friendly Long Beach at the Finish Line of the Tour of Long Beach!The event is FREE and will feature the BEACHWOOD & FRIENDS CRAFT BEER GARDEN, a Vintage Bike Exhibit & Fashion Show, Live Entertainment and Swing Bands, a FREE Bike Valet, Children’s Activities, Vendor Village and food specialties from Downtown’s Restaurants.

This weekend is when Long Beach puts its money where its mouth is when it comes to championing bicycle culture.

This will be the fourth year of the Tour of Long Beach, which begins as early as 6 a.m. Saturday, May 11, near Shoreline Village. The Downtown Long Beach Associates’ BikeFest will take place at the finish line from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at The Pike’s grassy area near Shoreline Drive and Pine Avenue.

“The Tour of Long Beach and its finish line festival is a celebration of the bike friendliness and bike culture in downtown Long Beach,” said Julie Meigs Korinke, DLBA communication manager. “And this year, BikeFest will be highlighting downtown’s vintage and biking fashion with two new elements.”

The Tour of Long Beach was an idea of the late Mark Bixby and Long Beach’s Bike Ambassador Tony Cruz (2000 U.S. Olympian). The tour has a variety of ways to participate with the Family Fun Run (free, 5 miles), Tour of Long Beach ($55, 31 miles), Metric Century Ride ($65, 62 miles) or the Cruz Gran Fondo ($120, 100 miles).

“With all the different rides, anyone can participate, whether you are a kid who just got a bike or an avid cyclist,” said Brett Beck, Memorial Medical Foundation director. “It’s designed to be a great weekend for families and neighbors to show off what Long Beach has been trying to do to be one of the most bike-friendly cities in the nation.”

The Tour of Long Beach puts money toward the Miller Children’s Hospital Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center. Beyond an entry fee, riders also can choose to fundraise for the race — $200 raised by May 10 gets the cyclist a special Champions Club jersey.

“There’s a lot of rides for different diseases and diagnoses, but you don’t really know what the money is specifically going to,” said Renae Waestman-Furlow, marketing manager for Jonathan Jaques. “We’re really big on transparency.”

The hospital is part of the Children’s Oncology Group, working to cure cancers in children and teenagers — specifically certain types of leukemia.

“Our goal is to make pediatric cancer a survivable disease, to make sure each child is curable,” Waestman-Furlow said. “And any advances we receive here, a patient in Texas will get that same knowledge. When you come and ride and make every pedal count, you’re doing something locally, but also helping every patient across the country.”

The main Tour of Long Beach route begins along the water in downtown Long Beach, goes north along the Los Angeles River, cuts across the city roughly parallel to Heartwell Park, back down along the San Gabriel River and across the boardwalk back downtown. The special Cruz Gran Fondo will be led by Tony Cruz, and its path reaches south all the way to the Laguna area and back.

The event is trying to raise about $500,000 and race officials said they expect about 3,000 cyclists of all ages and types. One-way of traffic along Shoreline Drive will be closed from about 4 a.m. to 10 a.m.

At the finish line, the BikeFest will be a daylong celebration for riders and spectators alike.

There will be a vintage bike and fashion show at 1 p.m. inspired by Bernard Serrano and the Cyclone Coasters, featuring fashion from the 1920s-1990s. A vintage exhibit will take place all day. Live swing performances will serenade the celebration.

“Guests will be encouraged to hit the dance floor with their best swing moves,” Korinke said.

The Beachwood and Friends Craft Beer Garden is returning with a larger footprint. There will be about a dozen breweries with 20 craft beers to choose from — five-ounce souvenir glasses and $20 for 10 tastings. There will be a bike shop vendor village, free bike valet, face painting and bicycle safety classes aimed at families.

“The festival really serves two purposes: To be a celebration of the participants in the tour and the other is to celebrate our biking community here in Long Beach,” Korinke said.

Help Clean Long Beach by volunteering at one of our many beach clean up

Ricardo the Realtor and his team of agents help promote Long Beach Clean Up events to keep our city clean. Please like our Help Clean Long Beach Facebook page

The Long Beach Water Department organizes a quarterly beach clean-up in our perennial effort to help make this a more ‘Beautiful Long Beach’ and to promote environmental stewardship and education.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Everyone is invited to participate and support this environmental clean-up effort. There is no pre-registration required, just show up on the day of the event. High School and College Students receive volunteer service credit for their participation and Scouts receive credit toward merit badges. Also, any person in need of completing community service is invited to help out and receive service credit.

WHEN IS IT HELD?

Upcoming dates and times are:

March 16, 2013 9 AM to 12 PM

June 15, 2013 9 AM to 12 PM

September 21, 2013 9 AM to 12 PM

WHAT TO BRING

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Shoes

Sunscreen

WE PROVIDE

FREE GIVEAWAYS

Trash Bags

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Volunteer Service Verification Forms

Official Recognition from the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners

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Being part of Long Beach is not just helping our clients buy and sell homes. We are here for long term prosperity for both our clients and the city. For all of your Real Estate needs and more… Call RicardoTheRealtor.com 562-533-4003